I just finished my first RCL Co-angler stint at Lake Sharpe. I had a great time, and I'd probably do it again, even though I didn't make the top 50. My question is this: What is the right way to approach the pro at the start about questions and suggestions? I bit my tongue all day long with my day one guy. I now wish I had at least asked if he wanted to absolutely make all the calls, or if he would entertain suggestions or ideas. Seems like he could just say no. As it was, we dragged 4 of the same pattern and color cranks, at the same depth and speed, for at least the first four hours. I know from sorry experience playing golf with my wife, that any suggestion made during the game is taken as criticism and second-guessing. It's even against our 'golf rules' to ask if it's OK to make a suggestion, because that implies that there is something wrong that needs fixed. All I know is that in my experience pulling cranks EVERY DAY YOU GO OUT you need to do some experimenting with style, size, color, depth, and speed. If you have yesterday's hot bait, you might put a couple of them on at different depths, and then two different ones to experiment with.
Maybe what I learned is that anyone with the time,money, and inclination to buy a boat and the gear can call themselves a pro. Maybe there needs to be a qualifier for regular RCL tournaments, too.
Or maybe I just needed to vent! I knew going in that it really is the luck of the draw.
By the way, day two went great, and I got to fish with a pro instead of a wannabe.

Thanks for reading the novel! Wallypedal

I'll bet if you had a nice limit of fish the first day that you wouldn't have had to vent! Remember one important thing "There is a lot worse things that can happen, than not catching fish!" Not everyone has good days always, if they did what fun would it be.

I repeat:
My question is this: What is the right way to approach the pro at the start (when you're the co-angler) about questions and suggestions you would like to make during the course of the day?
Wallypedal

Only 1 way to learn.......ask. If you have an idea, share it. You will learn from how your pro responds. Be yourself and have fun. Nothing wrong with making suggestions.

nosnoots

Wally,

I understand where you are coming from. I was lucky enough to draw 2 partners that allowed me to converse with them as the days progressed, what fish to keep ect... Day 3, my pro was stuck in one area, no bites for 3 hours, I was getting nervous. I wanted to say lets try something else, but according to the rules, the Pros have control of the boat and all decisions. Luckily the fish turned on and we caught our six, not good enough for day 4, but at least I was fishing an extra day.

As far as approaching the Pro, I'm not sure how I would have handled your situation. I know when I'm out with my buddies "guiding" and things aren't going well, I like to hear their opinions on what we can do differently to catch fish.

I'm sure your Pro was as frustrated as you, but probably caught good fish prefishing and was determined to stick with this method. I may not agree with the Pros decision, but I will respect his decisions.

Good luck with any other tourneys you enter!!

John

Thanks for the replies fellas. This thread has been out there since Lake Sharpe, so I've had a little time to think about it. In retrospect, I only wish I had asked if suggestions were wanted. He could have just said no. As much my fault as anything. I highly recommend the co-angler experience for anyone with the time, money, and inclination. I suggest keeping in mind:

1 -You get a free ride (the pro's boat & gear) for two days minimum. You might blank, but that happens sometimes when you hire a guide (that's why they call it fishing)

2- You can learn as much from a poor day as a good one.

3- 99.9% of the people are great. Unless you're a hermit by nature, the networking and resulting friendships are great.

4- Emotions can run high. Most of us are out there because we are competitive along with loving the sport. Those competitive juices can cloud your thinking sometimes. Think before you talk or write to forums!

5- If you can't stand not being "in control", don't go, or buy the gear and pay the fees so someone can whine about you!

Long Live RCL
Wally